Manipulation through background music

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2008 in the subject Musicology - Miscellaneous, grade: 2, University of Graz, language: English, abstract: The article deals with the different kinds of manipulation of background music on the human

being. Several studies are discussed about the consequences of background music on decision

making, driving, buying, eating at a restaurant, etc. The question about the possibilities of an

escape from the influence of music is asked and discussed. At first the functions and

mechanisms of background music are elaborated, before the effects on the human being are

discussed. Subsequently tests are presented about the various influences of background music

in order to achieve control of people. Furthermore the controversies about the famous Mozart-

Effect are taken into consideration. It is also interesting to know how background music has

an impact on the physical body. To explain this phenomenon the working mechanisms of the

brain are illuminated by including the latest findings about brain and music in the last months.

This article ends with some concrete suggestions how to overcome being influenced and

manipulated by background music.